Three Ways to Feel Younger Than You Are

There's no denying that sooner or later, age will tell. And most of us find the idea of fighting Father Time so daunting we give up before we start. But what would you say if we told you that looking and feeling younger than you are is really is as easy as 1,2,3 — if you're willing to make three simple changes in your daily life. Read on, for three ayurvedic tips on how to beat the clock.

Sleep Clean: Good, sound sleep is reported to help you secrete hormones that repair cells and burn fat. Logically, therefore, it can also help you look and feel younger. But for sleep to work for you, you must work at sleeping better. There is such a thing as sleep hygiene, without which you'll find it difficult to have good, continuous shut-eye for the night. So what does this mean? Keeping your mind free of clutter. Take watching television, for example. When you watch TV late into the night, you're misusing your senses, according to ayurveda. The information you put inside your mind — be it violence, foul language, or disturbing news — piles up as toxic mental ama, leading to disturbed sleep. The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians adds another invaluable sleep tip: don't let your circadian rhythm shift by forcing your body and mind to keep awake till late. Make sure you're in bed by 10:00 p.m., so that your sleep is aided by the Kapha period of restfulness.

Ease up on the caffeine: Experts now believe that the phosphoric acid in colas pulls calcium out of bones. And if you are in your mid-thirties, you're already losing bone density. Add to that the calories that pile up, and you have every reason not to guzzle. Drink plain warm water infused with spices instead, to speed up digestion and clear the body's minutest channels. Your daily cup of Java can have some nasty side effects. If you drink more than four cups a day, it can make you jumpy, nervous, sleepless, fretful, and dependent on the caffeine kick. Solution? Switch to a drink that tastes like coffee but, instead of side effects, endows you with more rejuvenating antioxidants than vitamins C or E. With the combined power of healing herbs like clearing-nut tree, coffee senna (which is not coffee), licorice, and ashwagandha, Raja's Cup is a gourmet choice for those who want to reverse the harmful effects of coffee without sacrificing the flavor.

Jump: When you really sit down to think about it, what is a major sign of aging? The fact that you are slowing down — that you may not be as active as before. If that is the case, then the obvious answer is to get moving. Age 35 is a very good time to start paying attention to your exercise routine. If you don't have one, plan it now so your bones don't lose any more density and mobility. In ayurvedic terms, the Vata dosha increases as you age, robbing bones of lubrication and joints of suppleness. An excellent way to start exercising is by taking a walk. It is moderate, does not put pressure on any one part of the body, and heals all three doshas.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.